1775 Machins Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 4-75A, W-7780. Rarity-4. GEORGIVS III, Group I. EF-45 (PCGS).111.0 grains. One of the finest examples of this issue we have seen, and undoubtedly high in the condition census for the variety. Light golden-brown deepening to a darker chocolate in areas of the obverse, some buildup is noted in the legends and a short, shallow long ago toned over scratch is seen above BR on obverse. The strike is full for the die marriage and well centered, though the top of Britannias staff is attenuated by the rim, which appears to be out of round in that area, due perhaps to an oddly cut out planchet. Usually worn away, the Union Jack is complete but worn at the middle high point. The die state is about as late as we have noted on a 4-75A, intense spalling noted below second stop and below chest on obverse, the left field around Britannias sprig hand sunken and failing, a die crack connecting the top of the sprig to her shoulder, a die break connecting the spear to her left arm, giving the look of an emaciated sloth hanging from a branch. What appears to be a run of incuse denticles is probably die clashing but could be vestiges of a second strike or partial brockage. The <em>Whitman Encyclopedia</em> gives the condition census as VF-35 to EF-40, hinting at a close cluster of similarly graded pieces, of which this is surely among the finest. We know of only one clearly superior piece, the early die state coin pictured on the Jack Howes plate, which looks like a lovely golden-brown AU or thereabouts. This piece is nearly as fine, but is better inasmuch as you can own this now!From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
